Pin Tender apple muffins swirled with cinnamon and topped with a rich caramel glaze are inspired by classic Danish kringle flavors. These bakery-style muffins combine festive spice and indulgent caramel in every bite for the perfect fall treat.
The first time I baked these caramel apple kringle muffins, my kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon. I loved how the caramel glaze pooled into the crevices, just like traditional Danish kringle.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Whole milk: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Peeled, diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
- Light brown sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Ground cinnamon (swirl): 1 tsp
- Unsalted butter, melted (swirl): 1 tbsp
- Soft caramels, unwrapped: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Heavy cream: 2 tbsp
- Pinch of salt (glaze): to taste
Instructions
- Prep and preheat:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Add dairy:
- Mix in sour cream and milk until just combined.
- Combine with dry ingredients:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until almost incorporated. Fold in diced apples.
- Prepare cinnamon swirl:
- In a small bowl, combine all cinnamon swirl ingredients.
- Layer and swirl batter:
- Fill muffin cups halfway with batter. Add a small spoonful of cinnamon swirl to each, then top with remaining batter and another swirl of cinnamon mixture. Gently swirl with a toothpick.
- Bake muffins:
- Bake 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- Make caramel glaze:
- Melt caramels with cream and pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins.
Pin My children help swirl the cinnamon mixture and eagerly await a warm muffin drizzled with gooey caramel, making this a sweet tradition in our home.
Required Tools
12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, hand or stand mixer, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, toothpick
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk. May contain tree nuts if added as topping. Always verify caramel labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information (per muffin)
Calories: 260, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 3 g
Pin Share these caramel apple kringle muffins with loved ones while they're still warm. Their spice, apple, and caramel notes make every bite a delight.
Recipe Questions
- → What variety of apple works best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp complement the sweet caramel and cinnamon flavors perfectly.
- → How do I achieve a distinct cinnamon swirl?
Layer half the batter, add cinnamon mixture, repeat with remaining batter, and gently swirl using a toothpick for marbled effect.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, but they're best enjoyed fresh. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days for optimal texture and flavor.
- → What dairy substitutes are possible?
Greek yogurt can replace sour cream to maintain moistness and tang. Full-fat options yield the most tender muffins.
- → How do I make a smooth caramel glaze?
Melt soft caramels with heavy cream gently in the microwave, stirring in intervals until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- → Are nuts necessary for this treat?
Nuts are optional; add chopped toasted pecans on top for extra crunch, or omit for a nut-free version.